Nearly 300 new laws will take effect in Illinois at the start of the new year. Also new to Illinois schools in 2022, a law prohibiting rules regarding hairstyles such as braids and twists. This Executive Order supplements the Community Revitalization Order, Executive Order 43. Here's a look at some of the most interesting laws set to go into effect. Such protected concerted activity generally includes employees talking to one another about working conditions or workplace safety, or engaging in actions, such as petitions or walkouts, to try to improve safety conditions. In general, individuals not authorized to work in the United States are not eligible for regular unemployment benefits or benefits under the PUA. HB 00226: Public universities will now be required to permit students to choose whether they submit ACT and SAT scores when applying for admission. 99) January 13, 2022 WHEREAS, since early March 2020, Illinois has faced a pandemic that has caused extraordinary sickness and loss of life, infecting over 2,520,000, and taking the lives of more than 28,800 residents; and, The change permits the creation of five cultural districts every year and a total of 15 at any given time. Under the latter bill, feminine hygiene products will now be available for free at homeless shelters that provide housing assistance to women and youth. Suspends certain provisions: 1) Employees that are being investigated for conduct that would not result in their termination or placement on the HCWR or 2) Employees who are the subject of an OIG investigation that is either complete or materially complete. HB 00168: Prohibits individuals from possessing animals if theyve been convicted of two or more specified animal-related offenses. . Watch Live. Individuals are required to wear a face covering in public places when they are unable to maintain a six-foot social distance, such as in stores. These laws also protect employees from retaliation when they engage in conduct to oppose discrimination or harassment, or when they raise safety and health concerns with their employer or coworkers. Additional frequently asked questions about COVID-19 and wages, benefits, and layoffs are available on IDOLs website. Federal Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) is a temporary program that provides up to 13 additional weeks of benefits to individuals who have exhausted all rights to regular unemployment insurance compensation with respect to a benefit year that ended on or after July 1, 2019. Law enforcement officers can also seize tobacco products or electronic cigarettes that violate the bills prohibition on marketing to children. HB 00605: Prohibits state institutions from buying Illinois and American flags not produced in the U.S. HB 03027: Allows expectant mothers to use a disabilities motor decal or device for no more than 90 days during their third trimester. The IHRA prohibits an employer from retaliating against an employee who opposes unlawful discrimination or harassment (e.g., filing a charge or complaint; testifying, assisting or participating in an investigation, proceeding or hearing; or requesting a reasonable accommodation). Employers should not assume that an older employee, or an employee with an underlying health condition, is in need of special protection or accommodation. This Executive Order supplements the Community Revitalization Order, Executive Order 43. Health and safety laws apply to all employees, regardless of immigration status. TELEHEALTH All health insurers regulated by the Department of Insurance are required to cover telehealth services and reimburse providers at the same rate as in-person visits and are prohibited from imposing any cost-sharing for in-network providers. This Executive Order supersedes Executive Order 2021-10. It's a new year and nearly 200 new laws go into effect here in Illinois. SB 00139: Allows a person currently married to request a copy of their marriage license with the term spouse rather than any gender-identifying language. If you are concerned that your employer is not adhering to the required state COVID-19 workplace safety guidelines, you may contact the Workplace Rights Bureau of the Office of the Illinois Attorney General at (844) 740-5076 or workplacerights@atg.state.il.us According to the Kankakee County State's Attorney, the ruling means the pre-trial release and bail reforms will not take effect on Jan. 1 in the 65 Illinois counties who challenged the law. REISSUES EXECUTIVE ORDERS - Reissues several executive orders, extending a majority of the provisions through November 13, 2021. The federal Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act of 2004 allows retirees - up to 10,000 in Illinois - who spent at least 10 years as law enforcement officers with arrest powers to carry concealed . It also forbids companies from marketing e-cigarettes to people under 21 or using cartoons or images from video games or movies in their advertising. Employers should never require employees or other workers at the workplace to report to work while experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. During the COVID-19 pandemic, IDHR strongly encourages filings via email as filing by mail or fax may delay processing. Any information collected in cases where no criminal charges are filed must be destroyed within 60 days unless there is reasonable suspicion that it contains evidence or a crime or unless it is deemed relevant to an ongoing investigation. On March 14, 2022, the EEOC released new guidance regarding caregiver discrimination and the COVID-19 pandemic, in light of many workplaces returning to in-person work. Non-essential retail stores may fulfill online and telephonic orders through pick-up outside the store or delivery. Governor Pritzker Announces New Partnership Between Illinois Universities and the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. It adds 16 additional endangered or threatened species to the list of animals whose parts are illegal to buy, sell or import, including giraffes, narwhals, pangolins, sharks and walruses, among others. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 extended many of the telehealth flexibilities authorized during the COVID-19 public health emergency through December 31, 2024. SB 00154: Allows tenants in Illinois Housing Development Authority-funded housing to keep at least two cats, or one dog that weighs under 50 pounds, regardless of breed or height. A new law takes effect giving students up to five days off for mental health. 265, 268 and 42 C.F.R. SB 00968: Requires all health insurance plans, the Public Aid Code and public health benefits in Illinois to provide coverage for medically-necessary pancreatic cancer screening. The Administration's plan is to end the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) on May 11, 2023. Published September 15, 2022 Updated on September 15, 2022 at 4:17 pm NBC Universal, Inc. Illinois Gov. REISSUES EXECUTIVE ORDERS - Reissues most executive orders, extending a majority of the provisions through March 6, 2021. The two-week extension allows for hospitals and schools to implement their own testing, vaccine and accountability protocols. HB 2790 allows public defenders to provide legal representation for non-citizens facing deportation in immigration court, but only in Cook County. This supersedes Executive Order 2020-10. Reissues previous Executive Orders related to the COVID-19 pandemic through January 6, 2023. Re-issues the following previously issued executive orders: 2020-04, 2020-09, 2020-11, 2020-12, 2020-15, 2020-20, 2020-21, 2020-23, 2020-24, 2020-26, 2020-27, 2020-30, 2020-36, 2020-45, 2020-50, 2020-68, 2021-03, 2021-12, 2021-18, 2021-22, 2021-28, 2021-31, and 2022-06. HB 0020: Repeals the registration fee for Gold Star license plates for surviving spouses or parents of vets who died in war or peace time. ", Related: Another Watchdog Vacancy Means Complaints Against Lawmakers Won't Be Addressed. SB 01682: Requires pharmacies to post a notice informing consumers that they may request current pharmacy retail prices at the point of sale. On Tuesday, Gov. Business can continue with employees working from home. CANNABIS APPLICATIONS The deadline for cannabis grower, infuser and transporter license applications is extended, and applicants are now allowed to mail completed applications, rather than submitting in person. READ MORE: Jelani Day's family looking for answers after missing ISU student found dead. However, there may be circumstances in which an individual can receive unemployment insurance at the same time as paid leave. Amends Executive Order 2022-06 and establishes that all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, shall continue to be required to wear a face covering (1) where federally required; (2) in congregate facilities such as correctional facilities and homeless shelters; and (3) in healthcare settings. HEALTH CARE FACILITIES, PROFESSIONALS, AND VOLUNTEERS Defines healthcare facilities, health care professionals and health care volunteers. SB 00512: The Preventing Youth Vaping Act aims to prevent vaping by children, placing additional restrictions on e-cigarettes, including imposing additional civil and criminal penalties. If your concern is about a state or local government employer, you may file a complaint with Illinois OSHA at https://www2.illinois.gov/idol/Laws-Rules/safety/Pages/Hazards.aspx STAY AT HOME All individuals must stay at home, with exceptions for essential activities, essential government functions, and essential businesses and operations. REISSUES EXECUTIVE ORDERS - Reissues most executive orders, extending a majority of the provisions through September 19, 2020. This Executive Order supplements the Community Revitalization Order, Executive Order 43. However, employers are required to ensure the confidentiality of any medical information provided by an employee. If an employee tests positive for COVID- 19, their employer should inform other employees in the workplace who may have been exposed. An employee experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should seek a test, notify their employer, and stay home while awaiting tests results. REISSUES EXECUTIVE ORDERS - Reissues several executive orders, extending a majority of the provisions through May 29, 2021. Reissues previous Executive Orders related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Applying for and being denied benefits under the regular unemployment insurance program is the first step to establishing eligibility under PUA. An employee who tests positive should make their employer aware of the positive test. All state, county, and local law enforcement officers are instructed to cease enforcement of orders of eviction for residential premises. NEW STAY AT HOME ORDER This new order allows Illinoisans to leave their home for essential activities, including for health and safety, for necessary supplies and services, for outdoor activity, for certain types of work, to take care of others, and to engage in the free exercise of religion, but otherwise requires them to stay at home or their place of residence to prevent spread of COVID-19. This Executive Order is effective October 25 and supplements the Community Revitalization Order, Executive Order 43. Illinois school districts do not need approval by the school board for an e-learning curriculum. Local government units across the state must halt all evictions, and gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited. Under the federal Occupation Safety and Health Act of 1970, employees who believe they are in imminent danger may refuse to work if certain conditions are met. To promote scheduling consistency, employers should give employees the opportunity to provide input on their preferred schedule. All employers are required to: DCEO has provided additional COVID-19 guidance for businesses, workers and residents on its website, https://www2.illinois.gov/dceo/Pages/default.aspx. The Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) investigates charges of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation filed under the IHRA. https://www2.illinois.gov/ides/aboutides/Pages/Contact_IDES.aspx. Yes. Unlike defendants in criminal court, parties in immigration court do not have a constitutional right to representation. SB 01600: Requires restaurants and truck stops to provide employees with training in the recognition of human trafficking, and protocols for reporting observed human trafficking to proper authorities. Specific federal, state, and local protections against retaliation include: Yes. SPRINGFIELD, IL Hundreds of new laws are due to take effect next month in Illinois after legislators returned to lawmaking following the ouster of longtime Speaker Mike Madigan earlier this year. Individuals who refuse an offer of suitable work are disqualified from receiving unemployment insurance unless there is good cause for the refusal. COVID-19. IDPH will continue to conduct on-site reviews to the extent feasible. The minimum wage in Illinois is set to increase another dollar on Saturday, Jan. 1, 2022. Employees who exhibit symptoms of COVID-19 can be asked to leave the workplace and stay at home until it has been 10 days since their symptoms first appeared and 24 hours with no fever (without the use of fever-reducing medications) and other symptoms of COVID-19 are improving.3An employee with a medical condition that causes symptoms similar to COVID-19 may provide their employer with medical documentation that their symptoms are due to a different condition in order to continue reporting to work. HB 226: Allows students to choose whether to submit their ACT/SAT score when applying to Illinois . More information on the use of face coverings is available on the Illinois Department of Human Rights website. It also will prevent the legislature from enacting a so-called right-to-work law, should it undergo a shift to the right, that would allow workers covered by union contracts to not pay dues. SUSPENDS ADMISSIONS TO IDOC FROM COUNTY JAILS Admissions to the Illinois Department of Corrections from all Illinois county jails are suspended, except at the discretion of the Director of the Illinois Department of Corrections for limited essential transfers. Related: Illinois First State To Mandate Asian American History In Schools. from $118 to $36. Employers should provide face coverings at no charge to employees who are not able to maintain a minimum 6-foot social distance at all times; Ensure that all spaces where employees may gather, including locker rooms and lunchrooms, allow for social distancing; Ensure that all visitors (customers, vendors, etc.) REISSUES EXECUTIVE ORDERS - Reissues several executive orders, extending the provisions through March 5, 2022. Reissues and amends previous Executive Orders related to the COVID-19 pandemic through July 24, 2022. HB 02790: Allows public defenders in a county with more than three million inhabitants to provide legal representation for noncitizens in immigration cases. REISSUES EXECUTIVE ORDERS - Reissues several executive orders, extending a majority of the provisions through October 16, 2021. The Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act requires that, after separation from employment, employees must be paid all final compensation, including bonus payments, vacation pay, wages and commissions on their next regularly scheduled payday. Requests for accommodations should be evaluated and resolved on a case-by-case basis. It also requires counties with populations above 250,000 to offer the option of a remote hearing. CIVIL PROCEDURE Suspends sections in the Illinois Code of Civil Procedure that permit the service of a garnishment summons, wage deduction summons, or a citation to discover assets on a consumer debtor or consumer garnishee. All Rights Reserved. Employers should also clean and disinfect all areas used by the person who is sick, such as offices, bathrooms, common areas, shared equipment, etc. Suspends certain requirements, including the need for an adult use cannabis dispensing organization agent to obtain an agent identification card from IDFPR prior to beginning work at a dispensary and the need for a medical or adult use cannabis dispensing organization agent to keep an agent identification card visible at all times when in the dispensary. HB 03097: Provides that police procedures and appropriate interactions with law enforcement during traffic stops be added to Illinois adult driver education course curriculum and the State Board of Educations curriculum. MASK REQUIREMENT FOR SCHOOLS AND LONG-TERM CARE FACILTIES Requires masks for students, teachers, and staff at pre-kindergarten-12th grade schools and day cares, consistent with the CDC guidance. All state, county, and local law enforcement officers are instructed to cease enforcement of orders of eviction for residential premises. Does not limit the free exercise of religion, and indoor services must not exceed more than 10 people. . CANNABIS IDENTIFICATION CARDS Suspends the requirement that a medical or adult use cannabis cultivation center agent must have a completed background check when applying for an agent identification card. Employers are responsible for maintaining a safe and healthy workplace and there is nothing in Illinois or federal law that prohibits an employer from requiring a doctors note or COVID-19 test before an employee returns to work. RESCINDS METRO EAST MITIGATIONS As of October 9, 2020, Region 4 the Metro East has reached the threshold to lift mitigations following three consecutive days with a rolling positivity rate below 6.5%. The IHRA and federal law prohibit an employer from treating employees differently based on their age or an actual or perceived disability. In response, public health restrictions and mitigations are instituted for Region 1, comprised of Boone, Carroll, DeKalb, Jo Daviess, Lee, Ogle, Stephenson, Whiteside and Winnebago counties, for restaurants and bars, meetings and social events, gaming and casinos and for all workplaces, effective October 3, 2020. RESUMES ADMISSIONS TO IDOC FROM COUNTY JAILS The Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) will resume accepting the transfer of individuals from Illinois county jails. HB 00155 and HB 00310: Provides that SNAP and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infant and Childrens Programs may use their benefits to purchase menstrual hygiene products. REISSUES EXECUTIVE ORDERS - Reissues several executive orders, extending a majority of the provisions through January 8, 2022. HB 03739: Creates the Lead Service Line Replacement and Notification Act to establish timelines and requirements for the removal and replacement of all lead service lines in Illinois. This year, the minimum wage will increase to $12 per hour. SB 2129 amends the Code of Criminal Procedure to allow the chief prosecutor of the county where a convicted person was sentenced to petition a judge to resentence to a shorter sentence. SUSPENDS PROVISIONS IN THE ILLINOIS SCHOOL CODE Suspends requirements on the administration of assessments, school terms, and the calculation of daily pupil attendance. This supersedes Section 1 of Executive Order 2020-03*. REISSUES EXECUTIVE ORDERS - Reissues several executive orders, extending a majority of the provisions through August 21, 2021. J.B. Pritzker's office announced Monday night he signed into law changes to the Health Care Right of Conscience Act. First, not all individuals classified as 1099 employees are actually independent contractors as defined by the Unemployment Insurance Act. All employees are entitled to their promised wages for all hours of work performed, regardless of immigration status. Rescinds Executive Order 2020-13. Employees at higher risk for severe COVID-19 complications can request a reasonable accommodation, as outlined in questions 3 through 6 in the questions related to Civil Rights protections below. 106) May 27, 2022 WHEREAS, since early March 2020, Illinois has faced a pandemic that has caused extraordinary sickness and loss of life, infecting over 3,280,000, and taking the lives of more than 33,700 residents; and, When applying for benefits, an individual must report any paid leave to which they are entitled. Yes. As Illinois continues through the Restore Illinois plan and regional mitigation measures, employers and employees1are navigating difficult questions about how to maintain a safe and healthy workplace during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the positivity rate has continued to significantly increase in these regions. . 2019: Illinois governor signs . To better protect survivors, this law allows anyone to file for a protective order at any time by email or online in addition to the in-person option. Individuals with Green Cards issued by the federal government are generally able and available to work and may be eligible for unemployment benefits. J.B. Pritzker's administration on Thursday announced a change to the state's COVID . 71.40 no longer necessary. HB 2553 establishes the Protecting Household Privacy Act, which forbids law enforcement agencies from obtaining data collected, stored or shared by household electronic devices without a warrant, a court order, the permission of the owner or in an emergency situation. HB 00135: Requires health insurance policies to cover health care or patient care around the dispensation of birth control. A new law takes effect giving students up to five days off for mental health. REGIONS 4 AND 10 MITIGATIONS Region 4, the Metro East, has had a 7-day rolling average test positivity rate of 8 percent or above for three consecutive days. An employer is not required to provide an accommodation that would be prohibitively expensive or unduly disruptive to the business. Reissues previous Executive Orders related to the COVID-19 pandemic through October 15, 2022. ADDITIONAL METRO EAST MITIGATIONS The Metro East regions positivity rate has continued to increase to over 10 percent, despite mitigation steps put in place through Executive Order 51. New Illinois laws in 2023 include the SAFE-T Act, Worker's Rights Amendment, improvements to health care and food access, and more. PHASE FIVE REOPENING - Safely and conscientiously expands activities that were limited during the prior mitigation Phases of the States response to the COVID-19 pandemic, consistent with CDC guidance. Exemptions to all Tiers and Phases include free exercise of religion, emergency functions, and governmental functions. BBB shares top scams of 2022 . Then, in January, after a group of 19 Democratic state representatives refused to support Madigan's bid for a 19th term as speaker, House Democrats picked Hillside state Rep. Chris Welch to succeed him. Employers are prohibited from retaliating against an employee for raising concerns about COVID-19, or their overall safety and health, either internally or to a government agency. In response, public health restrictions and mitigations will be implemented for Regions 4 and 10 for restaurants and bars, meetings and social events, gaming and casinos and for all workplaces, effective October 28, 2020. Section 7 of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) protects employees ability to engage in protected concerted activity for mutual aid or protection in both union and non-union settings. REGIONS 9 MITIGATIONS Region 9, Lake and McHenry counties, has reported three consecutive days of a test positivity rate of 8 percent or higher. Murders peaked in 2021 with 799 homicidesthe most since 1996and in 2022, remains 39% higher than in 2019. J.B. Pritzker's COVID-19 disaster declaration last year, Madigan opted to convene the Illinois House for a just single four-day emergency session. Yes. Applying for and being denied benefits under the regular program is the first step in establishing eligibility under the new temporary program. TIER 3 MITIGATIONS In response to the recent surge of cases across Illinois, all regions of the State have triggered additional mitigation strategies. This guidance is intended to help both employers and employees educate themselves about minimum required workplace safety requirements, as well as best practices to promote a safe and well-functioning workplace during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to provide guidance on some frequently asked questions about COVID-19 and the workplace.